The National League-best Los Angeles Dodgers will open the postseason at home tonight in Game 1 of the NLDS versus the Washington Nationals. Will LA rise to the occasion as the favorites?

917 Washington Nationals at 918 Los Angeles Dodgers

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Dodger Stadium at 8:37PM ET

TV: TBS

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers, the Dodgers are a -165 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Nationals are a +155 underdog, while the total is set at 7.5 runs. As of Thursday morning, 71 percent of public bets are being placed on host Los Angeles. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.

Nationals rally in Wild Card Game

Washington trailed 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning at home against Milwaukee Tuesday night in the NL Wild Card Game, but after loading the bases a single by Juan Soto plus an outfield error cleared the bases to send the Nats to a thrilling win. Soto ended the contest 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Trea Turner accounted for the other run as he went 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Ryan Zimmerman finished 1-for-1 with a pinch-hit single. Stephen Strasburg picked up the win in relief as he threw three shutout frames with two hits allowed, four strikeouts and no walks. Daniel Hudson recorded the save as he gave up one hit with one strikeout in a scoreless frame. Patrick Corbin will start Game 1 tonight for Washington as he enters with a 14-7 record, 3.25 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 238 strikeouts over 202 innings pitched.

Dodgers turn to Buehler

Los Angeles finished the regular season with an NL-best record of 106-56 overall including 59-22 at home. Los Angeles turns to Walker Buehler in Game 1 of the NLDS tonight after he finished the regular season with a record of 14-4 with a 3.26 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 215 strikeouts over 182 1/3 innings. He gets the nod over lefties Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu. The Dodgers are led offensively by a number of players including Cody Bellinger (.305/.406/.1.035), Max Muncy (.251/.374/.889), Justin Turner (.290/.372/.881), Joc Pederson (.249/.339/.876) and Corey Seager (.272/.335/.817). The LA bullpen is anchored by closer Kenley Jansen (3.71 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 63 IP, 80 K).

MLB Betting Trends

Washington

The Nationals have won nine games in a row. Washington is 4-0 in the last four Corbin starts.

Los Angeles

The Dodgers have won their last seven games. Los Angeles is 6-1 in the last seven Buehler starts.

Prediction:

The Dodgers have a deep roster that allows for matchups to be neutralized when facing a lefty such as Corbin. Los Angeles is also dominant at home and has a fantastic young starter on the mound who has already had playoff success in his career. The Nationals might still be on their high from the Wild Card Game and I’d rather make the safe play tonight on LA.